Why an annual test on the backflow prevention assembly?
Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to protect our drinking water from potential sources of contamination. The Washington State Administrative Code requires testing by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) to ensure they are functioning as designed.

Who can test backflow prevention assemblies?
Only a Washington State Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) can perform the test. An official listing of certified testers is kept by Washington Certification Services.

Each tester is responsible for providing the City with copies of their current State certification and test equipment calibration certificates. We cannot accept test reports from testers that have not provided this information. 
  
What happens if I don't test my backflow prevention assembly?
To ensure that your backflow prevention assemblies are functioning as designed, it is important to the City's water system to have testing performed annually. Failure to test increases the risk to our water supply should your assembly fail to prevent backflow.  

The City of Bainbridge Island sends out reminder notifications about backflow assembly testing requirements to its water customers, however, it is the water service customer who is responsible for ensuring that the assemblies are tested on time. The City recommends participating in their backflow testing program to make compliance easier for utility customers needing an annual backflow test.
  
More Information
For answers to specific cross-connection control questions, please contact the cross connection control specialists at Operations and Maintenance by email or phone (206.842.1212).